If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Just from what I see without knowing your setup or parameters. It looks a little cold and not uniform, there are several spots in the last pic where the tungsten was contaminated or dipped in the weld puddle. Keep practicing to get your timing for dipping the filler into the leading edge of puddle and advancing the torch forward so that it is second nature and you don't need to think about it.
When you sitting infront of the TV, throw a tig glove on your filler rod hand and practice feeding the wire until you can do it without a second thought. That and more arc time. You'll get the hang of it.

Comment

Did you bevel the pcs. first or just trying to butt weld them? Aluminum bridges very easily so it is easy to get a good looking weld on top with almost no penetration. Just something for you to watch out for.

Comment

You need more HP and like MMW said be sure to bevel your but welds, it will not only allow for better penetration but will also help with the lack of power. Try cleaning the aluminum real well and raising the A/C bal, that will also help with lack of power.

Comment

Preheat it to 600 if its your only means of trying to weld it. What is your tungsten type, tungsten grind, gas flow ect?

I did preheat it. Not sure if I made it to 600 or not. not sure of the tungsten type, the grind was a shiny "bulb" at the tip, until I hit it with my filler rod. gas flow..... I think 15 or 20, but I dont remember.

Comment

Just from what I see without knowing your setup or parameters. It looks a little cold and not uniform, there are several spots in the last pic where the tungsten was contaminated or dipped in the weld puddle. Keep practicing to get your timing for dipping the filler into the leading edge of puddle and advancing the torch forward so that it is second nature and you don't need to think about it.
When you sitting infront of the TV, throw a tig glove on your filler rod hand and practice feeding the wire until you can do it without a second thought. That and more arc time. You'll get the hang of it.

I tried a bit more today (didn't get any pics) but originally I was holding the torch with my right hand and feeding with my left. For some strange reason I set the torch down, and picked it up with my let hand and used my right to feed filler rod. It was SO much more comfortable and I think my welds were a lot better. Kinda strange. But I guess whatever works best for people.